National Express

National Express Bus Tickets And Schedules

National Express bus routes

RoutesPrice(GBP)
Leicester to Londonfrom£13
Birmingham to Londonfrom£7
London to Edinburghfrom£21
Sheffield to Londonfrom£11
London to Southamptonfrom£18
London to Oxfordfrom£16
London to Liverpoolfrom£10
London to Manchesterfrom£14
London to Bristolfrom£4
London to Birminghamfrom£7
Leeds to Londonfrom£10
Bristol to Londonfrom£4
London to Leedsfrom£19
Manchester to Londonfrom£14
London to Cardifffrom£7

Check out the most searched bus routes and schedules by National Express passengers, including the most popular destinations and the main cities served by the company for leisure or work trips

National Express onboard features

Enjoy a comfortable and convenient journey with a range of onboard features designed to make your travel experience enjoyable and stress-free. Whether you’re travelling for business or leisure, these amenities ensure you arrive refreshed and ready.

What's included

  • Air Conditioning
  • WiFi
  • Standard Seat
  • Power Outlet
  • Bathroom

National Express Help Centre

The National Express Help Centre was carefully created so you can find all the answers you need about: Bus Onboard Services, National Express Baggage Size, Pets Policy and etc.

  • National Express Bus Onboard Services

    USB Charging: Available on the back of seats, though some coaches might offer a 240V plug socket instead. Free Wi-Fi: Not all services may include Wi-Fi if additional vehicles are used. Reclining Leather Seats: Adjustable seats with foldable armrests and tray tables, including cup holders and smartphone stands....

  • National Express National Express Baggage Size

    Carry-on Luggage 1 Small Soft Bag allowed in the cabin Max Size: 45cm x 35cm x 20cm Must fit in the overhead or under the seat. No hard-shell suitcases, wheeled bags, or hard-frame backpacks in t......

  • National Express Pets Policy

    No Pets Allowed. Assistance Dogs/Animals allowed. Highly trained assistance dogs and animals are welcome on board. Pre-booking is recommended to ensure space for your assistance animal. You may ......

  • National Express Disabilities & Reduced Mobility

    Dedicated Assistance Team: Available 7 days a week, 8am-6pm. Phone: 03717 81 81 81 Contact: https://www.nationalexpress.com/en/help/contact/assisted-travel Booking Assistance: Contact the Assis......

  • National Express Reserved Seats

    You can reserve a seat in advance for as low as £2.00 per journey leg. Available for select services only. You can reserve seats in rows 1-5 during the booking process online or through the "Add Ex......

  • National Express Ticket Cancellation, Changes and Refunds

    Fully Flexible Fare Full Refund: available if cancelled 24 hours before departure. Changes to the booking can be made at any time without any amendment fees. Booking Fees and some extras (like seat reservations) are non-refundable....

Customer Reviews

Overall sentiment toward National Express is mixed, with both positive and negative experiences reported by customers. Positive feedback highlights the affordability, convenience, and comfort of the coaches, along with friendly and professional drivers. Many appreciate the service as a reliable alternative to trains, especially for airport transfers. However, common issues include delays, poor communication, unclean facilities, and lack of customer service in cases of schedule changes or cancellations. While many find the service satisfactory and cost-effective, frustrations with rigid policies and logistical mishaps temper the overall impression. National Express is valued but presents room for operational improvement.

Exploring Customer Experiences with National Express: The Good, The Bad, and The Room for Improvement

As one of the UK's leading coach service providers, National Express is known for its extensive network and affordability. With numerous passenger reviews surfacing in recent months, a pattern emerges highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses. From driver friendliness to punctuality and cleanliness, here's a closer look at customers' experiences with National Express.

Strengths Highlighted by Passengers

Many National Express travelers commend the service for various positive aspects:

  • Friendly Drivers: Reviews frequently mention the amiable nature of the drivers. One passenger noted, “The driver was amazing, he had a warm smile and was very approachable,” showcasing how driver attitude significantly enhances the travel experience.
  • Affordability: Many users appreciate National Express's cost-effective fares, often noting that they are more economical than train travel. One traveler stated, “National Express was a pleasant surprise: punctual, comfortable, clean, and about the same as a train fare from nearby towns.”
  • Ease of Booking: Customers have praised the user-friendly online booking system. An individual shared, “Booking was a breeze, driver and staff helpful,” reinforcing the service's accessibility.
  • Comfortable Journeys: Overall comfort, cleanliness, and facilities were highlighted in numerous reviews. “Lovely clean coaches, great price, and lovely helpful polite drivers,” said one satisfied passenger.
  • Capacity for Punctuality: While not universally true, many passengers did enjoy timely journeys. Shoppers using National Express for airport transfers found it reliable and enjoyed a hassle-free experience, with one noting, “Great service and price and perfect timings for my flights from and to Gatwick.”

Weaknesses Noted by Customers

Despite the positive feedback, several recurring themes unveil points for improvement:

  • Punctuality Issues: Delays appear to be a significant concern, with multiple passengers expressing frustration due to lateness. One said, “Don't use National Express, the coaches are always late or simply don’t come.” Another lamented, “The bus was over an hour late; it had run out of fuel, and I missed my lift in Liverpool.”
  • Cleanliness of Facilities: Cleanliness, especially at terminals and on coaches, has been frequently criticized. “The toilets on our coach were absolutely disgusting,” remarked one traveler, highlighting a major discomfort shared across many reviews.
  • Communication Breakdowns: Passengers reported inadequate communication during emergencies or delays. A poignant example highlighted, “We were left standing in freezing temperatures for over an hour waiting for a bus that National Express knew had broken down.”
  • Customer Service Challenges: Many customers expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of complaints and refund policies. “Customer Service at Victoria was less than helpful,” summarized another patron regarding a ticket issue.
  • Rigid Policies and Procedures: Issues around ticket flexibility and the non-transferability of reserved seats were frustrations voiced by numerous passengers: “Paid £2 each for reserved seats... only to have National Express change the time of the coach and cancel the reserved seats.”

Balancing the Experience

The dual nature of customer experiences sheds light on a complex relationship between National Express and its passengers. Several anecdotes from customers paint a picture of both satisfaction and frustration:

“I had a fantastic experience. The ride was smooth and enjoyable, and the driver was excellent—professional and friendly.”
—Anonymous Passenger
“I had booked a ticket for a coach, but the driver left us stranded... about 20 to 30 people with prepaid tickets. Cost me £100 for alternative transport.”
—Anonymous Passenger

Implications for Travelers

National Express provides a solid option for travelers seeking budget-friendly transportation across the UK, especially to and from airports. The generally friendly service and affordable pricing make it appealing. However, potential passengers should be wary of delays and the cleanliness of facilities, which can tarnish the experience.

For National Express, addressing customer concerns regarding punctuality, facility cleanliness, and effective communication would significantly enhance service quality. By focusing on improvements in these areas, the company could turn a substantial number of criticisms into accolades.

National Express Wordcloud

Address and Contact

Our team has prepared everything to make your experience on the website as simple, secure, and easy as possible. But if you still need to contact National Express, just use the most convenient channel for you!

Phone: 0871 781 8181

Phone:National Express
0871 781 8181

Email: tickets@nationalexpress.com

Email:National Express
tickets@nationalexpress.com

Location: National Express House Mill Lane Digbeth Birmingham B5 6DD

Website: www.nationalexpress.com

Website:National Express
www.nationalexpress.com